Small pad RPCs as detector for high granularity digital hadron calorimetry

Requirements for sampling hadron calorimetry with gaseous active medium and digital read-out for a future linear e + e - -collider (FLC) are formulated. Monogap glass Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) prototypes equipped with 1 cm 2 read-out pads and operated in saturated avalanche and streamer modes are studied as a possible detector for digital hadron calorimetry. Operating characteristics of the prototypes such as induced charges, efficiencies and fired pad multiplicities are measured for different gas mixtures, gas gap widths and anode thicknesses, electronics thresholds, beam incident angle and intensity. Choice of RPC working performance is outlined.